Question

Arrange the following fractions in descending order:

• A. $\frac{5}{6}$
• B. $\frac{4}{6}$
• C. $\frac{1}{2}$
• D. $\frac{1}{3}$

Answer 1

Comparing $\frac{1}{3}$, $\frac{4}{6}$, $\frac{1}{2}$ and $\frac{5}{6}$.
These fractions have different denominators, so convert them into like fractions.
To convert into like fractions, they need to have the same denominator.
The common multiple of 2, 3, 6 is 6.

$\therefore \frac{1}{3}$ = $\frac{1\times 2}{3\times 2}$ = $\frac{2}{6}$

$\frac{4}{6}$ = $\frac{4\times 1}{6\times 1}$ = $\frac{4}{6}$

$\frac{1}{2}$ = $\frac{1\times 3}{2\times 3}$ = $\frac{3}{6}$

$\frac{5}{6}$ = $\frac{5\times 1}{6\times 6}$ = $\frac{5}{6}$


When the denominator is equal, the fraction with greater numerator has greater value.
Here, $5>4>3>2$

So, $\frac{5}{6}>\frac{4}{6}>\frac{1}{2}>\frac{1}{3}$

Therefore, $\frac{5}{6}>\frac{4}{6}>\frac{1}{2}>\frac{1}{3}$